Sydney, Australia, 4th February – In a significant stride towards revolutionising rehabilitation for head and neck cancer patients, Dr. Xiao Liu has received $700,000 to fund vital research into jaw reconstruction methods.
A researcher at the University of Wollongong, Dr. Xiao Liu will be focused on developing a pioneering dental implant known as a ‘3D-printed resorbable scaffold’. The funding announcement, which coincides with World Cancer Day (4th February), is the latest in a series of ‘mid-career fellowships’, collectively worth nearly $4million, granted by the Passe and Williams Foundation.
For patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancers, dental implants can be crucial for their quality of life post-treatment.
Explaining the importance of the research, Dr. Xiao Liu said; “Oral cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally, often needing surgical intervention involving the partial removal of the jaw. Unfortunately, this procedure can have a huge impact on the patient’s quality of life post-treatment, and many often struggle to reintegrate into their work and personal lives.
“Our aim is to significantly improve the quality of life for post-cancer patients. We want to develop a hybrid 3D-printed scaffold that not only facilitates rapid osteogenesis, or bone growth, but is also partially resorbable – meaning it will naturally integrate with the surrounding tissue,” said Dr. Xiao Liu.
While the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) medical specialty can be an overlooked area of healthcare, the funding could mean a vital step forward for patients. Latest figures from Cancer Council estimate more than 5,300 Australians were newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2023.
“Receiving this Mid-Career Fellowship from the Passe and Williams Foundation is a testament to the importance of advancing research in the field of oral rehabilitation”, continued Liu.
One such patient is Mandy Keleher, who was diagnosed with oral cancer in February 2020.
